Everton fans have had a tough time these last few years: from appointing a manager adored by their fiercest rivals, to three consecutive relegation battles, and most recently being dealt two separate points deductions. Most recently, at the end of all that, came 3 home wins in the space of a week, without conceding a goal, whilst securing Premier League safety once again. It included a first Goodison Park win over bitter rivals Liverpool in 14 years…
The week began with a controversial 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest, where Everton began the day just a point above their relegation rivals. Long range efforts from Idrissa Gueye and Dwight McNeil secured a fantastic win. However Forest’s social media accounts proceeded to go into a meltdown, following 3 major decisions in favour of Ashley Young, that didn’t go their way. Head of referees, Howard Webb has since claimed just one of the three decisions was incorrect.
Up next, the best of the three, probably the best game of the entire season. A comfortable, resounding, 2-0 win over Liverpool. I was 5 the last time that happened at Goodison Park, and the last time it happened in front of fans! Everton were superb from minute 1, got the fans as loud as they’ll ever be and thoroughly deserved the 3 points. Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin wrote themselves into Everton history forever. To emphasise Everton’s dominance, they were awarded a penalty, while it was still goalless – which VAR cancelled out. Remarkably, the referee was excellent.
On a major high from the midweek Liverpool win, I expected complacency from Everton. Earlier in the day, Luton lost away to Wolves, placing Everton just one win away from safety and a 71st consecutive top flight season. It was another defensively excellent performance, combined with remarkably yet another Idrissa Gueye opener.
It was a week beyond even the most optimistic’s imagination: 3 wins, defeating Liverpool Premier League safety and 0 goals conceded. A 100% record under Tracksuit Dyche.